Rockport girls soccer squad confident in 2013 turnaround

The Rockport High School girls soccer team lost one and tied another to start the season, but its coach saw plenty of positives.

Joshua Boyd/Wicked Local Gloucester

So far, so good.

The Rockport High School girls soccer team lost one and tied another to start the season, but its coach saw plenty of positives.

Last year, the Vikings went 5-12-1. It lost four starters but was able to find key players to step up. The team played strong games against all Cape Ann League teams. They tied Ipswich, lost to Georgetown in the last minute and beat Pentucket.

This year it has a solid core of 17 players. The team met Georgetown in the opener, where the team outplayed and outshot them but lost, 1-0, at home, according to Rockport coach Tom MacCrate.

The team also took on Ipswich and came away with a 0-0 tie. The Tigers had numerous corner kicks and shots but the defense held tight.

"Our goalie, junior Shelby Gale, played strong in net to register her first shutout of the season," MacCrate said.

The midfield is solidified by senior tri-captains Hannah Lorden and Katie Andrews, with sophomore Rachel Davis on the off-wing.

The forwards are fast and aggressive, leading with junior Shelby Salas, freshmen Rachel Haselgard and Izzy Gleckner and sophomore Cali Tibert.

"The team is built with a strong defensive unit and short passing game leading to counter-attacking opportunities," MacCrate said. "We have struggled to finish off plays and score but that will come with more experience and practice. The team is eager to prove itself in the league and earn a tourney bid."